Exhibit 10(a)
Agreement and Plan of Reorganization
by and between
United Trust Group, Inc.
and
First Commonwealth Corporation
Dated as of June 5, 2001
AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF REORGANIZATION
THIS AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF REORGANIZATION (the "Agreement") is made and
entered into as of June 5, 2001 by and between United Trust Group, Inc., an
Illinois corporation ("UTG"), and FIRST COMMONWEALTH CORPORATION, a
Virginia corporation ("FCC") (UTG and FCC shall sometimes be referred to
herein individually as a "Party" and collectively as the
"Parties").
RECITALS
WHEREAS, as of the date of this Agreement, UTG owns more than 80% of the
outstanding shares of common stock of FCC, and the Boards of Directors of each
of UTG and FCC believe it is in the best interests of each company and its
respective shareholders for FCC to merge with and into UTG (the
"Merger"), pursuant to which each share of common stock of FCC ("FCC
Common Stock") issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective
Time (as defined below) will be converted into the right to receive the Merger
Consideration (as defined below), subject to certain exceptions described in
this Agreement.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual agreements, covenants and other
promises set forth herein, the mutual benefits to be gained by the performance
thereof, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and
sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged and accepted, the Parties hereby
agree as follows:
ARTICLE I
THE REORGANIZATION
Section 1.01 The Merger. At the Effective Time and subject to and upon
the terms and conditions of this Agreement (including the Plan of Merger
contemplated by Section 1.02) and the applicable provisions of the Illinois
Business Corporation Act ("IBCA") and the Virginia Stock Corporation
Act ("VSCA"), FCC shall be merged with and into UTG, the separate
corporate existence of FCC shall cease and UTG shall continue as the surviving
corporation. The corporation surviving the Merger is sometimes referred to
hereinafter as the "Surviving Corporation." Section 1.02 Effective
Time. Unless this Agreement is earlier terminated pursuant to Section 6.01,
the closing of the Merger (the "Closing") will take place no later than
five (5) business days following satisfaction or waiver of the conditions set
forth in Article V hereof, at the offices of ▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ & ▇▇▇▇▇, LLP,
▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, unless another time and/or place is
mutually agreed upon in writing by FCC and UTG. The date upon which the Closing
actually occurs shall be referred to herein as the "Closing Date." On the
Closing Date, the Parties shall cause the Merger to be consummated by filing the
Plan of Merger, in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A and being
executed by the Parties simultaneously with the execution hereof, together with
articles of merger, with the Virginia State Corporation Commission and the
Illinois Secretary of State (the "Plan of Merger"), in accordance with
the applicable provisions of the VSCA and the IBCA (the time at which the Merger
has become effective under both the VSCA and the IBCA after the filing of the
Plan of Merger and articles of merger with the Virginia State Corporation
Commission and the Illinois Secretary of State shall be referred to herein as
the "Effective Time"). Section 1.03 Effect of the Merger. At the
Effective Time, the effect of the Merger shall be as provided in the applicable
provisions of the IBCA, the VSCA, the Plan of Merger and this Agreement. Without
limiting the generality of the foregoing, and subject thereto, at the Effective
Time, all the property, rights, privileges, powers and franchises of FCC shall
vest in the Surviving Corporation, and all debts, liabilities and duties of FCC
shall become the debts, liabilities and duties of the Surviving Corporation. At
the Effective Time, the separate corporate existence of FCC shall cease.
Section 1.04 Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws.
(a) The articles of incorporation of UTG, as in effect immediately prior
to the Effective Time, shall be the articles of incorporation of the
Surviving Corporation at the Effective Time until thereafter amended
in accordance with applicable law and as provided in such articles of
incorporation.
(b) The bylaws of UTG, as in effect immediately prior to the Effective
Time, shall be the bylaws of the Surviving Corporation at the
Effective Time until thereafter amended in accordance with applicable
law and as provided in the articles of incorporation of the Surviving
Corporation and such bylaws.
Section 1.05 Directors and Officers. The directors of UTG immediately
prior to the Effective Time shall be the directors of the Surviving Corporation
immediately after the Effective Time, each to hold the office of a director of
the Surviving Corporation in accordance with the provisions of applicable law,
and the articles of incorporation and bylaws of the Surviving Corporation, as
applicable, until their successors are duly elected and qualified. The officers
of UTG immediately prior to the Effective Time shall be the officers of the
Surviving Corporation immediately after the Effective Time, each to hold office
in accordance with the provisions of the bylaws of the Surviving Corporation,
until their successors are duly appointed.
Section 1.06 Effect of Merger on the Capital Stock of the Constituent
Corporations.
(a) Effect on FCC Capital Stock.
(i) At the Effective Time, by virtue of the Merger and without any
action on the part of UTG, FCC or any of the holders of shares of
FCC Common Stock (the "Shareholders"), each share of FCC
Common Stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the
Effective Time shall cease to be outstanding and, other than any
shares of FCC Common Stock to be canceled pursuant to Section
1.06(a)(ii) or Section 1.06(a)(iii), shall be converted into and
become the right to receive an amount equal to $250, payable by
check or cash (the "Merger Consideration").
(ii) At the Effective Time, by virtue of the Merger and without any
action on the part of UTG, FCC or any of the Shareholders, each
share of FCC Common Stock issued and outstanding immediately
prior to the Effective Time and held in the treasury of FCC or by
any subsidiary thereof shall be cancelled and retired and cease
to exist and no payment shall be made with respect thereto.
(iii)At the Effective Time, by virtue of the Merger and without any
action on the part of UTG, FCC or any of the Shareholders, each
share of FCC Common Stock issued and outstanding immediately
prior to the Effective Time and held by UTG shall be cancelled
and retired and cease to exist and no payment shall be made with
respect thereto.
(b) Capital Stock of UTG. At the Effective Time, by virtue of the
Merger and without any action on the part of UTG or FCC, each share of
UTG common stock, no par value per share, issued and outstanding
immediately prior to the Effective Time, shall remain outstanding as
one validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable share of Common Stock
of the Surviving Corporation and shall not be converted into any other
securities or cash in the Merger. The certificates for such shares
shall not be surrendered or in any way modified by reason of the
Merger.
(c) Withholding Taxes. Any cash amounts payable to any Shareholder
pursuant to this Article I shall be subject to, and an amount may be
withheld therefrom equal to, the amount of any requisite state, local,
federal and foreign withholding taxes.
Section 1.07 Preparation of Proxy Statement; Shareholders' Meeting.
(a) As promptly as reasonably practicable following the date hereof, FCC
shall prepare and shall cause to be filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission ("SEC") proxy materials mutually acceptable
to FCC and UTG which shall constitute the proxy statement relating to
the matters to be submitted to the Shareholders at the Shareholders'
Meeting (as defined in (b) below) (the "Proxy Statement"). FCC
and UTG shall also prepare, and file with the SEC, a statement on
Schedule 13E-3 (together with any supplements or amendments thereto,
the "Schedule 13E-3"). Each of FCC and UTG shall use reasonable
best efforts to have the Proxy Statement and, if applicable, the
Schedule 13E-3, cleared by the SEC as necessary to consummate the
Merger and the transactions contemplated hereby. UTG and FCC shall, as
promptly as practicable after receipt thereof, provide the other Party
copies of any written comments and advise the other Party of any oral
comments, with respect to the Proxy Statement or the Schedule 13E-3
received from the SEC. The Parties shall cooperate and provide the
other with a reasonable opportunity to review and comment on any
amendment or supplement to the Proxy Statement or the Schedule 13E-3
prior to filing such with the SEC, and will provide each other with a
copy of all such filings made with the SEC. Notwithstanding any other
provision herein to the contrary, no amendment or supplement
(including by incorporation by reference) to the Proxy Statement or
the Schedule 13E-3 shall be made without the approval of both Parties,
which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed; provided
that with respect to documents filed by a Party which are incorporated
by reference in the Schedule 13E-3 or the Proxy Statement, this right
of approval shall apply only with respect to information relating to
the other Party or its business, financial condition or results of
operations. FCC will use reasonable best efforts to cause the Proxy
Statement and the Schedule 13E-3 to be mailed to the Shareholders, as
promptly as practicable after the same is cleared by the SEC. Each
Party will advise the other, promptly after it receives notice
thereof, of any request by the SEC for amendment of the Proxy
Statement or the Schedule 13E-3. If at any time prior to the Effective
Time any information relating to UTG or FCC, or any of their
respective affiliates, officers or directors, should be discovered by
UTG or FCC, which information should be set forth in an amendment or
supplement to either the Schedule 13E-3 or the Proxy Statement so that
any of such documents would not include any misstatement of a material
fact or omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein
or necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the
circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, the Party
which discovers such information shall promptly notify the other Party
and, to the extent required by law, rules or regulations, an
appropriate amendment or supplement describing such information shall
be promptly filed with the SEC and disseminated to the Shareholders.
(b) FCC shall duly take all lawful action to call, give notice of, convene
and hold a meeting of the Shareholders on a date determined in
accordance with the mutual agreement of FCC and UTG (the
"Shareholders' Meeting") for the purpose of obtaining the
approval of this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby
(including the Merger) by the Shareholders (the "FCC
Shareholder Approval") and shall its use reasonable best
efforts to solicit the vote of the Shareholders. Subject to their
fiduciary duties, the Board of Directors of FCC shall recommend
adoption of this Agreement by the Shareholders.
Section 1.08 Exchange Procedures
(a) Promptly after the Effective Time, the Surviving Corporation shall
mail (or shall cause an exchange agent appointed by the Surviving
Corporation to mail) to each record holder, as of the Effective Time,
of any outstanding certificate or certificates which immediately prior
to the Effective Time represented shares of FCC Common Stock (the
"FCC Certificates") a (i) notice of the effectiveness of the
Merger and (ii) form letter of transmittal (which shall specify that
delivery shall be effected, and risk of loss and title to the FCC
Certificates shall pass only upon proper delivery of the FCC
Certificates to the Surviving Corporation) and instructions for use in
effecting the surrender of the FCC Certificates for payment therefor.
Upon surrender to the Surviving Corporation of an FCC Certificate,
together with the appropriate and duly executed transmittal materials
described in the foregoing sentence and any other required documents,
the holder of such FCC Certificate shall receive in exchange therefore
the applicable Merger Consideration determined pursuant to Section
1.06 hereof, and such Certificate shall forthwith be cancelled. No
interest will be paid or accrued on any consideration payable upon the
surrender of the FCC Certificates. If payment is to be remitted to a
name other than that in which the FCC Certificate surrendered for
exchange is registered, it shall be a condition of such exchange that
the FCC Certificate so surrendered shall be properly endorsed, with
signature guaranteed, or otherwise in proper form for transfer and
that the person requesting such exchange shall pay to UTG or its
transfer agent any transfer or other taxes required by reason of the
payment of the applicable Merger Consideration to a person other than
the registered holder of the FCC Certificate surrendered, or establish
to the satisfaction of UTG or its transfer agent that such tax has
been paid or is not applicable. Until surrendered in accordance with
the provisions of this Section 1.08, each FCC Certificate (other than
FCC Certificates representing shares to be cancelled pursuant to
Sections 1.06(a)(ii) or 1.06(a)(iii)) shall represent for all purposes
only the right to receive the applicable Merger Consideration set
forth in Section 1.06, without any interest thereon, subject to any
required withholding taxes.
(b) From and after the Effective Time, the holders of FCC Certificates
evidencing shares of FCC Common Stock issued and outstanding
immediately prior to the Effective Time shall cease to have any rights
with respect to such shares, except as otherwise provided herein, the
Plan of Merger or by applicable law.
(c) Any holders of shares of FCC Common Stock prior to the Merger who have
not complied with this Article I and surrendered their FCC
Certificates to the Surviving Corporation in accordance with this
Section 1.08 within six (6) months after the Effective Time shall
thereafter look only to the Surviving Corporation as general creditors
thereof for payment of their claim for the applicable Merger
Consideration to which such holders may be entitled hereunder by
virtue of the Merger.
(d) Neither FCC nor the Surviving Corporation (nor any exchange agent
appointed by the Surviving Corporation pursuant to this Section 1.08)
shall be liable to any Shareholder in respect of any Merger
Consideration to which such Shareholder was otherwise entitled
pursuant to this Agreement delivered to a public official pursuant to
any applicable abandoned property, escheat or similar law. If any FCC
Certificates shall not have been surrendered prior to one (1) year
after the Effective Time (or immediately prior to such earlier date on
which any Merger Consideration, if any, in respect of such certificate
would otherwise escheat to or become the property of any governmental
entity), any such Merger Consideration in respect of such certificate
shall, to the extent permitted by applicable law, become the property
of the Surviving Corporation, free and clear of all claims or interest
of any Person previously entitled thereto.
(e) From and after the Effective Time, there shall be no transfers of the
shares of FCC Common Stock on the stock transfer books of the
Surviving Corporation which were outstanding immediately prior to the
Effective Time.
(f) In the event any FCC Certificate shall have been lost, stolen or
destroyed, the Surviving Corporation shall issue in exchange for such
lost, stolen or destroyed certificate, upon the making of an affidavit
of that fact by the holder thereof, such amount of the Merger
Consideration, if any, as may be required pursuant to Section 1.06
hereof; provided, however, that the Surviving Corporation may, in its
discretion and as a condition precedent to the issuance thereof,
require the Shareholder who is the owner of such lost, stolen or
destroyed certificate to deliver a bond in such amount as it may
reasonably direct against any claim that may be made against the
Surviving Corporation with respect to the certificate alleged to have
been lost, stolen or destroyed.
Section 1.09 Taking of Necessary Action; Further Action. If at any time
after the Effective Time, any further action is necessary or desirable to carry
out the purposes of this Agreement and to vest the Surviving Corporation with
full right, title and possession to all assets, property, rights, privileges,
powers and franchises of FCC, UTG and the officers and directors of the UTG are
fully authorized in the name of UTG or otherwise to take, and will take, all
such lawful and necessary action.
Article II.
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF FCC
FCC hereby represents and warrants to UTG that, except as disclosed in the
FCC Filed SEC Reports (as defined below):
Section 2.01 Organization, Standing and Power; Subsidiaries.
(a) FCC is a corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good
standing under the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia and has the
corporate power to own its properties and to carry on its business as
now being conducted. Each subsidiary of FCC is a corporation or other
organization duly organized, validly existing and in good standing
under the laws of its jurisdiction of incorporation or organization,
has the requisite corporate or other power and authority to own, lease
and operate its properties and to carry on its business as is now
being conducted, except where the failure to be so organized, existing
and in good standing or to have such power and authority would not
reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on FCC. For
purposes of this Agreement, the term "Material Adverse Effect" on a
Party shall mean an event, change or occurrence which, individually or
together with any other event, change or occurrence, has a material
impact on (a) the financial position, business, or results of
operations of such Party and its subsidiaries (though with respect to
UTG, excluding FCC and its subsidiaries), taken as a whole, or (b) the
ability of such Party to perform its obligations under this Agreement
or to consummate the Merger, other than any event, change or
occurrence relating to (i) the United States economy, the regional
economy in which such Party conducts business or the securities
markets in general or (ii) this Agreement or the transactions
contemplated hereby or announcement hereof.
(b) Each of FCC and its subsidiaries is duly qualified and in good
standing to do business in each jurisdiction in which the nature of
its business or the ownership or leasing of its properties make such
qualification necessary other than in such jurisdictions where the
failure so to qualify or to be in good standing would not reasonably
be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on FCC. FCC has made
available to UTG a true and correct copy of its articles of
incorporation and bylaws, each as amended to date and in full force
and effect on the date hereof.
Section 2.02 Capital Structure.
(a) The authorized capital stock of FCC consists of 62,500 shares of FCC
Common Stock, of which 54,385 shares are issued and outstanding as of
the date hereof (reflecting the 1 for 400 reverse stock split approved
by FCC's Board of Directors on March 27, 1997, but for which FCC did
not obtain shareholder approval or file an amendment to its articles
of incorporation). All outstanding shares of FCC Common Stock are duly
authorized, validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable and free of
any preemptive rights.
(b) (i) FCC does not have any stock option plan or other stock-related
plan providing for equity compensation of any person, (ii) there are
no options, warrants, calls, rights, commitments or agreements of any
character, written or oral, to which FCC is a party or by which it is
bound obligating it to issue, deliver, sell, repurchase or redeem, or
cause to be issued, delivered, sold, repurchased or redeemed, any
shares of FCC Common Stock, (iii) FCC is not obligated to grant,
extend, accelerate the vesting of, change the price of, otherwise
amend or enter into any option, warrant, call, right, commitment or
agreement upon the closing of the transactions contemplated hereby or
upon the occurrence of any other event, and (iv) no bonds, debentures,
notes or other indebtedness of FCC exists having the right to vote on
any matters on which holders of capital stock of FCC may vote.
Section 2.03 Authority; No Conflicts.
(a) Subject, in the case of the consummation of the Merger, to the FCC
Shareholder Approval, any approvals or clearances required under the
applicable insurance laws of any state, the filings contemplated by
Section 1.07 and the filing of the Plan of Merger, and related
articles of merger, with the Virginia State Corporation Commission and
the Illinois Secretary of State, (i) FCC has all requisite power and
authority to enter into this Agreement and to consummate the
transactions contemplated hereby, (ii) the execution and delivery of
this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated
hereby have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action on
the part of FCC and no further action is required on the part of FCC
to authorize this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby,
(iii) this Agreement, the Plan of Merger and the Merger have been
unanimously approved and adopted by the Board of Directors of FCC in
accordance with Virginia law, and the articles of incorporation and
bylaws of FCC, and (iv) this Agreement has been duly executed and
delivered by FCC, and assuming the due authorization, execution and
delivery by the other Party hereto, constitutes the valid and binding
obligation of FCC, enforceable against it in accordance with its
terms, except as such enforceability may be subject to the laws of
general application relating to bankruptcy, insolvency and the relief
of debtors and rules of law governing specific performance, injunctive
relief or other equitable remedies.
(b) The execution and delivery by FCC of this Agreement and the
consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby will not conflict
with or result in any violation of or default under (with or without
notice or lapse of time, or both) or give rise to a right of
termination, cancellation, modification or acceleration of any
obligation or loss of any benefit under (any such event, a
"Conflict") (i) any provision of the articles of incorporation
or bylaws of FCC, (ii) except as would not reasonably be expected to
have a Material Adverse Effect on FCC, any mortgage, indenture, lease,
contract, covenant or other agreement, instrument or commitment,
permit, concession, franchise or license (individually a
"Contract") to which FCC or any of its subsidiaries or any of
their respective properties or assets (including intangible assets),
is subject, or (iii) except as would not reasonably be expected to
have a Material Adverse Effect on FCC, any judgment, order, decree,
statute, law, ordinance, rule or regulation applicable to FCC or any
of its subsidiaries or any of their respective properties or assets
(tangible and intangible).
Section 2.04 Reports and Financial Statements.
(a) FCC has filed all required registration statements, prospectuses,
reports, schedules, forms, statements and other documents required to
be filed by it with the SEC since December 31, 1998 (collectively, the
"FCC SEC Reports"). No subsidiary of FCC is required to file
any form, report, registration statement, prospectus or other document
with the SEC. None of the FCC SEC Reports, as of their respective
dates (and, if amended or superseded by a filing prior to the date of
this Agreement, then on the date of such filing), contained or will
contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omitted or will
omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or
necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the
circumstances under which they were made, not misleading. All of such
FCC SEC Reports, as of their respective dates (and as of the date of
any amendment to the respective FCC SEC Report), complied (and with
respect to FCC SEC Reports filed after the date hereof, will comply)
as to form in all material respects with the applicable requirements
of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "1933 Act"), and
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "1934
Act"), and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.
(b) Each of the financial statements (including the related notes)
included or incorporated by reference in the FCC SEC Reports presents
fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position
and consolidated results of operations and cash flows of FCC and its
consolidated subsidiaries as of the respective dates or for the
respective periods set forth therein, all in conformity with United
States generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP")
consistently applied during the periods involved except as otherwise
noted therein, and subject, in the case of the unaudited interim
financial statements of FCC, to the absence of notes and normal
year-end adjustments that have not been and are not expected to be
material in amount. Except as disclosed in the FCC SEC Reports filed
and publicly available prior to the date hereof (the "FCC Filed SEC
Reports"), FCC and its subsidiaries have not incurred any
liabilities that are of a nature that would be required to be
disclosed on a balance sheet of FCC and its subsidiaries or the
footnotes thereto prepared in conformity with GAAP, other than (A)
liabilities incurred in the ordinary course of business, (B)
liabilities incurred in accordance with Section 4.01, or (C)
liabilities that, individually or in the aggregate, would not
reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on FCC.
Section 2.05 Information Supplied. The information supplied by FCC for
inclusion or incorporated by reference in (A) the Schedule 13E-3 or any
amendment or supplement thereto will not contain any untrue statement of a
material fact or omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein
or necessary in order to make the statements therein, in light of the
circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, and (B) the Proxy
Statement or any amendment or supplement thereto to be sent to the Shareholders
in connection with the Shareholders' Meeting will not, on the date the Proxy
Statement is first mailed to the Shareholders or at the time of the
Shareholders' Meeting or at the Effective Time, contain any untrue statement of
a material fact or omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein
or necessary in order to make the statements therein, in light of the
circumstances under which they were made, not misleading. The Proxy Statement
and the Schedule 13E-3 will comply as to form in all material respects with the
requirements of the 1934 Act and the 1933 Act and the regulations promulgated
thereunder. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no representation or warranty is made
with respect to statements made or incorporated by reference in the Schedule
13E-3 or the Proxy Statement based on information supplied by or on behalf of
UTG for inclusion or incorporation by reference.
Section 2.06 Absence of Changes or Events. Except for liabilities
permitted to be incurred in accordance with this Agreement or the transactions
contemplated hereby, since December 31, 2000, FCC and its subsidiaries have
conducted their business only in the ordinary course and in a manner consistent
with past practice and, since December 31, 2000, there have not been any
changes, circumstances or events which, individually or in the aggregate, have
had, or would reasonably be expected to have, a Material Adverse Effect on FCC
Section 2.07 Litigation; Compliance with Laws.
(a) There are no actions pending or, to the knowledge of FCC, threatened,
against or affecting FCC or any subsidiary of FCC or any property or
asset of FCC or any subsidiary of FCC which, individually or in the
aggregate, would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse
Effect on FCC, nor are there any judgments, decrees, injunctions,
rules or orders of any Governmental Entity (as defined below) or
arbitrator outstanding against FCC or any subsidiary of FCC which,
individually or in the aggregate, would reasonably be expected to have
a Material Adverse Effect on FCC. As used in this Agreement, the term
"Governmental Entity" shall include any supranational,
national, state, municipal, local or foreign government, any
instrumentality, subdivision, court, administrative agency or
commission or other authority thereof, or any quasi-governmental or
private body exercising any regulatory, taxing, importing or other
governmental or quasi-governmental authority.
(b) Except as, individually or in the aggregate, would not reasonably be
expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on FCC, FCC and its
subsidiaries hold all permits, licenses, franchises, variances,
exemptions, orders and approvals of all Governmental Entities which
are necessary for the operation of the businesses as now being
conducted of FCC and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole (the "FCC
Permits"), and no suspension or cancellation of any of the FCC
Permits is pending or, to the knowledge of FCC, threatened. FCC and
its subsidiaries are in compliance with the terms of the FCC Permits,
except where the failure to so comply, individually or in the
aggregate, would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse
Effect on FCC. Neither FCC nor its subsidiaries is in violation of,
and FCC and its subsidiaries have not received any notices of
violations with respect to, any laws, statutes, ordinances, rules or
regulations of any Governmental Entity, except for violations which,
individually or in the aggregate, would not reasonably be expected to
have a Material Adverse Effect on FCC.
Section 2.08 Brokers' and Finders' Fees. FCC has not incurred, nor will
it incur, directly or indirectly, any liability for brokerage or finders' fees
or agents' commissions or any similar charges in connection with this Agreement
or any transaction contemplated hereby, except for compensation payable to the
Financial Advisor (as defined in Section 5.03(c)).
Section 2.09 Representations Complete. Neither any of the representations
or warranties made by FCC (as modified by the FCC SEC Reports) in this
Agreement, nor any statements made in any exhibit, schedule or certificate
furnished by FCC pursuant to this Agreement, contains or will contain at the
Effective Time, any untrue statement of a material fact, or omits or will omit
at the Effective Time to state any material fact necessary in order to make the
statements contained herein or therein, in the light of the circumstances under
which they were made, not misleading.
Article III.
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF UTG
UTG hereby represents and warrants to FCC that, except as disclosed in all
registration statements, prospectuses, reports, schedules, forms and other
documents filed by UTG with the SEC since December 31, 1998 and prior to the
date hereof (the "UTG Filed SEC Reports"):
Section 3.01 Organization, Standing and Power; Subsidiaries.
(a) UTG is a corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good
standing under the laws of the State of Illinois and has the corporate
power to own its properties and to carry on its business as now being
conducted. Each subsidiary of UTG (other than FCC or any subsidiary of
FCC) is a corporation or other organization duly organized, validly
existing and in good standing under the laws of its jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization, has the requisite corporate or other
power and authority to own, lease and operate its properties and to
carry on its business as is now being conducted, except where the
failure to be so organized, existing and in good standing or to have
such power and authority would not reasonably be expected to have a
Material Adverse Effect on UTG.
(b) Each of UTG and its subsidiaries (other than FCC and FCC's
subsidiaries) is duly qualified and in good standing to do business in
each jurisdiction in which the nature of its business or the ownership
or leasing of its properties make such qualification necessary other
than in such jurisdictions where the failure so to qualify or to be in
good standing would not reasonably be expected to have a Material
Adverse Effect on UTG.
Section 3.02 Authority; No Conflicts.
(a) Subject, in the case of the consummation of the Merger, to any
approvals or clearances required under the applicable insurance laws
of any state, the filings contemplated by Section 1.07 and the filing
of the Plan of Merger, and related articles of merger, with the
Virginia State Corporation Commission and the Illinois Secretary of
State, (i) UTG has all requisite power and authority to enter into
this Agreement and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby,
(ii) the execution and delivery of this Agreement and the consummation
of the transactions contemplated hereby have been duly authorized by
all necessary corporate action on the part of UTG and no further
action is required on the part of UTG to authorize the Agreement and
the transactions contemplated hereby, (iii) this Agreement, the Plan
of Merger and the Merger have been unanimously approved and adopted by
the Board of Directors of UTG in accordance with Illinois law, and the
articles of incorporation and bylaws of UTG, and (iv) this Agreement
has been duly executed and delivered by UTG, and assuming the due
authorization, execution and delivery by the other Party hereto,
constitutes the valid and binding obligation of UTG, enforceable
against it in accordance with its terms, except as such enforceability
may be subject to the laws of general application relating to
bankruptcy, insolvency and the relief of debtors and rules of law
governing specific performance, injunctive relief or other equitable
remedies.
(b) The execution and delivery by UTG of this Agreement and the
consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby will not result
in a Conflict under (i) any provision of the articles of incorporation
or bylaws of UTG, (ii) except as would not reasonably be expected to
have a Material Adverse Effect on UTG, any Contract to which UTG or
any of its subsidiaries or any of their respective properties or
assets (including intangible assets), is subject, or (iii) except as
would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on
UTG, any judgment, order, decree, statute, law, ordinance, rule or
regulation applicable to UTG or any of its subsidiaries (other than
FCC or any FCC subsidiary) or any of their respective properties or
assets (tangible and intangible).
Section 3.03 Information Supplied. The information supplied by UTG for
inclusion or incorporated by reference in (A) the Schedule 13E-3 or any
amendment or supplement thereto will not contain any untrue statement of a
material fact or omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein
or necessary in order to make the statements therein, in light of the
circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, and (B) the Proxy
Statement or any amendment or supplement thereto to be sent to the Shareholders
in connection with the Shareholders' Meeting will not, on the date the Proxy
Statement is first mailed to the Shareholders or at the time of the
Shareholders' Meeting or at the Effective Time, contain any untrue statement of
a material fact or omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein
or necessary in order to make the statements therein, in light of the
circumstances under which they were made, not misleading. The Schedule 13E-3
will comply as to form in all material respects with the requirements of the
1934 Act and the regulations promulgated thereunder. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, no representation or warranty is made with respect to statements made
or incorporated by reference in the Schedule 13E-3 or the Proxy Statement based
on information supplied by or on behalf of FCC for inclusion or incorporation by
reference.
Section 3.04 Capital Resources. UTG has sufficient capital resources to
pay the total Merger Consideration and to consummate all of the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement and the Plan of Merger.
Section 3.05 Brokers' and Finders' Fees. UTG has not incurred, nor will
it incur, directly or indirectly, any liability for brokerage or finders' fees
or agents' commissions or any similar charges in connection with the Agreement
or any transaction contemplated hereby.
Section 3.06 Representations Complete. Neither any of the representations
or warranties made by UTG (as modified by the UTG Filed SEC Reports) in this
Agreement, nor any statements made in any exhibit, schedule or certificate
furnished by UTG pursuant to this Agreement, contains or will contain at the
Effective Time, any untrue statement of a material fact, or omits or will omit
at the Effective Time to state any material fact necessary in order to make the
statements contained herein or therein, in the light of the circumstances under
which they were made, not misleading.
Article IV.
COVENANTS
Section 4.01 Conduct of Business of FCC Prior to the Effective Time.
During the period from the date of this Agreement and continuing until the
Effective Time, FCC agrees as to itself and its subsidiaries that (except as
expressly contemplated or permitted by this Agreement or to the extent that UTG
shall otherwise consent in writing, such consent not to be unreasonably
withheld) FCC and its subsidiaries shall carry on their respective businesses in
the usual, regular and ordinary course in all material respects, in
substantially the same manner as heretofore conducted, and shall use their
reasonable best efforts to preserve intact their present lines of business and
preserve their relationships with customers and others having business dealings
with them.
Section 4.02 Governmental Filings. Each Party shall file all reports
required to be filed by it with the SEC (and all other Governmental Entities)
between the date of this Agreement and the Effective Time and shall, if
requested by the other Party and to the extent permitted by law or regulation or
any applicable confidentiality agreement, deliver to the other Party copies of
all such reports promptly after such request.
Section 4.03 Access to Information. FCC shall afford UTG and its
accountants, counsel and other representatives, reasonable access during the
period prior to the Effective Time to (i) all of FCC's properties, books,
contracts, commitments and records, (ii) all other information concerning the
business, properties and personnel (subject to restrictions imposed by
applicable law) of FCC as UTG may reasonably request, and (iii) all employees of
FCC as identified by UTG. FCC agrees to provide to UTG and its accountants,
counsel and other representatives copies of internal financial statements
(including tax returns and supporting documentation) promptly upon request. No
information or knowledge obtained in any investigation pursuant to this Section
4.03 shall affect or be deemed to modify any representation or warranty
contained herein or the conditions to the obligations of the parties to
consummate the Merger in accordance with the terms and provisions hereof.
Section 4.04 Fees and Expenses. Regardless whether the Merger is
consummated, FCC and UTG will be responsible for and bear all of their own costs
and expenses incurred at any time in connection with pursuing or consummating
the Merger, except expenses incurred in connection with the filing, printing and
mailing of the Proxy Statement and the Schedule 13E-3, which shall be shared
equally by FCC and UTG.
Section 4.05 Public Disclosure. The initial press release pertaining to
the transactions contemplated by this Agreement shall be a joint press release
and thereafter each Party shall consult with the other before issuing
communications to employees regarding the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement or any press release or otherwise making any public statements with
respect to this Agreement or the Merger and shall not issue any such press
release or make any such public statement prior to such consultation, except as
may be required by law or any listing agreement with Nasdaq. FCC and UTG shall
each provide to the other a copy of each press release or other public statement
relating to its business reasonably in advance of making such release or
statement.
Section 4.06 Consents. FCC shall use commercially reasonable efforts to
obtain the consents, waivers and approvals under any of the contracts to which
FCC or its subsidiaries are parties to the extent deemed appropriate or
necessary by any Party in connection with the Merger so as to preserve all
rights of, and benefits to, the Surviving Corporation thereunder from and after
the Effective Time.
Section 4.07 Indemnification. If the Merger is consummated, UTG agrees to
assume and be responsible for all obligations of FCC as of the Effective Time to
provide indemnification from liabilities for acts or omissions occurring at or
prior to the Effective Time in favor of the current or former directors or
officers of FCC as provided in FCC's articles of incorporation or bylaws, as in
effect on the date of this Agreement, for a period of six (6) years after the
Effective Time.
Article V.
CONDITIONS TO THE MERGER
Section 5.01 Conditions to Obligations of Each Party to Effect the
Merger. The respective obligations of FCC and UTG to effect the Merger shall
be subject to the satisfaction at or prior to the Effective Time of the
following conditions:
(a) FCC Shareholder Approval. FCC shall have received the FCC
Shareholder Approval.
(b) No Order. No Governmental Entity shall have enacted, issued,
promulgated, enforced or entered any statute, rule, regulation,
executive order, decree, injunction or other order (whether temporary,
preliminary or permanent) which is in effect and which has the effect
of making the Merger illegal or otherwise prohibiting consummation of
the Merger.
(c) No Injunctions or Restraints; Illegality. No temporary
restraining order, preliminary or permanent injunction or other order
issued by any court of competent jurisdiction or other legal restraint
or prohibition preventing the consummation of the Merger shall be in
effect, nor shall any proceeding brought by an administrative agency
or commission or other governmental authority or instrumentality,
domestic or foreign, seeking any of the foregoing be pending.
Section 5.02 Conditions to the Obligations of UTG. The obligation of UTG
to effect the Merger shall be subject to the satisfaction at or prior to the
Effective Time of each of the following conditions, any of which may be waived,
in writing, exclusively by UTG:
(a) Representations, Warranties and Covenants. (i) The
representations and warranties of FCC in this Agreement shall have
been true and correct in all material respects on the date they were
made and shall be true and correct in all material respects on and as
of the Closing Date as though such representations and warranties were
made on and as of such time (other than the representations and
warranties of FCC as of a specified date, which will be true and
correct in all material respects as of such date), and (ii) FCC shall
have performed and complied in all material respects with all
covenants and obligations under this Agreement required to be
performed and complied with by FCC as of the Closing.
(b) Governmental Approval. Approvals from any court, administrative
agency or commission or other federal, state, county, local or other
foreign governmental authority, instrumentality, agency or commission
(if any) deemed appropriate or necessary by UTG shall have been timely
obtained.
(c) Litigation. There shall be no action, suit, claim or proceeding
of any nature pending, or overtly threatened, against FCC or its
subsidiaries, their respective properties or any of their respective
officers or directors, arising out of, or in any way connected with,
the Merger or the other transactions contemplated by the terms of this
Agreement.
(d) Third Party Consents. UTG shall have received copies of all
consents or approvals of third parties it deems necessary or
appropriate.
(e) Certificate of FCC. UTG shall have received a certificate,
validly executed by or on behalf of FCC to the effect that, as of the
Closing:
(i) all representations and warranties made by FCC in this Agreement
are true and correct in all material respects on and as of the
Closing Date as though such representations and warranties were
made on and as of such time (other than the representations and
warranties of FCC as of a specified date, which will be true and
correct in all material respects as of such date); and
(ii) all covenants and obligations under this Agreement to be
performed by FCC on or before the Closing have been so performed
in all material respects.
(f) Certificate of Secretary of FCC. UTG shall have received a
certificate, validly executed by the Secretary of FCC, certifying as
to (i) the terms and effectiveness the articles of incorporation and
the bylaws of FCC, (ii) the valid adoption of resolutions of the Board
of Directors of FCC and the Shareholders approving this Agreement and
the approval of the transactions contemplated hereby and that such
approvals are in full force and effect without modification, (iii) the
incumbency of the officers of FCC executing this Agreement and any
agreements contemplated hereby or other instruments or certificates
relating hereto or thereto.
(g) No Material Adverse Effect - No event, condition or
circumstances shall have occurred or be discovered after the date of
this Agreement which has had, or is reasonably likely to have, a
Material Adverse Effect on FCC.
Section 5.03 Conditions to Obligations of FCC. The obligations of FCC to
consummate and effect this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby
shall be subject to the satisfaction at or prior to the Effective Time of each
of the following conditions, any of which may be waived, in writing, exclusively
by FCC:
(a) Representations, Warranties and Covenants. (i) The
representations and warranties of UTG in this Agreement (other than
the representations and warranties of UTG as of a specified date,
which will be true and correct in all material respects as of such
date) shall be true and correct in all material respects on the date
they were made and shall be true and correct in all material respects
on and as of the Closing Date as though such representations and
warranties were made on and as of such time, and (ii) UTG shall have
performed and complied in all material respects with all covenants and
obligations of this Agreement required to be performed and complied
with by such parties as of the Closing.
(b) Certificate of UTG. FCC shall have received a certificate
executed on behalf of UTG by a corporate officer to the effect that,
as of the Closing:
(i) all representations and warranties made by UTG in this Agreement
(other than the representations and warranties of UTG as of a
specified date, which will be true and correct as of such date)
are true and correct in all material respects on and as of the
Closing Date as though such representations and warranties were
made on and as of such time; and
(ii) all covenants and obligations under this Agreement to be
performed by UTG on or before the Closing have been so performed
in all material respects.
(c) Fairness Opinion - The Board of Directors of FCC shall have
received an opinion from ▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇ and Company, Inc. (the
"Financial Advisor") that the transactions contemplated hereby,
including the Merger Consideration to be paid on consummation of the
Merger, is fair from a financial standpoint as to FCC and the
Shareholders.
(d) Governmental Approval. Approvals from any court, administrative
agency or commission or other federal, state, county, local or other
foreign governmental authority, instrumentality, agency or commission
(if any) deemed appropriate or necessary by FCC shall have been timely
obtained.
Article VI.
TERMINATION, AMENDMENT AND WAIVER
Section 6.01 Termination. This Agreement may be terminated and the Merger
abandoned at any time prior to the Closing (including after receipt of the FCC
Shareholder Approval):
(a) by mutual, written agreement of FCC and UTG;
(b) by FCC or by UTG, if the Closing Date shall not have occurred by
December 31, 2001;
(c) by FCC or by UTG upon the failure of any condition set out in Section
5.01;
(d) by UTG if there shall be any action taken, or any statute, rule,
regulation or order enacted, promulgated or issued or deemed
applicable to the Merger by any Governmental Entity, which would (i)
prohibit UTG's ownership or operation of any portion of the business
of FCC or its subsidiaries, or (ii) compel UTG to dispose of or hold
separate all or a material portion of the business or assets of the
FCC, its subsidiaries or UTG as a result of the Merger; or
(e) by UTG if UTG is not in material breach of its obligations under this
Agreement and there has been any event, condition or circumstances
occur or that is discovered after the date of this Agreement which has
had, or is reasonably likely to have, a Material Adverse Effect on
FCC.
Section 6.02 Effect of Termination. In the event of termination of this
Agreement as provided in Section 6.01, this Agreement shall forthwith become
void and there shall be no liability or obligation on the part of UTG, FCC or
the Shareholders, or their respective officers, directors or shareholders, if
applicable; provided, however, that, the provisions of Section 4.04 and 4.05,
Article VII and this Section 6.02 shall remain in full force and effect and
survive any termination of this Agreement pursuant to the terms of this Article
VI.
Section 6.03 Amendment. This Agreement may be amended by the Parties at
any time by execution of an instrument in writing signed on behalf of both
Parties.
Section 6.04 Extension; Waiver. At any time prior to the Closing, UTG, on
the one hand, and FCC, on the other hand, may, to the extent legally allowed,
(i) extend the time for the performance of any of the obligations of the other
Party, (ii) waive any inaccuracies in the representations and warranties made to
such Party contained herein or in any document delivered pursuant hereto, and
(iii) waive compliance with any of the agreements or conditions for the benefit
of such Party contained herein. Any agreement on the part of a Party to any such
extension or waiver shall be valid only if set forth in an instrument in writing
signed on behalf of such Party.
Article VII.
GENERAL PROVISIONS
Section 7.01 Non-Survival of Representations, Warranties and Agreements.
None of the representations, warranties, covenants and other agreements in this
Agreement or in any instrument delivered pursuant to this Agreement, including
any rights arising out of any breach of such representations, warranties,
covenants, agreements and other provisions, shall survive the Effective Time,
except for those covenants, agreements and other provisions contained herein
that by their terms apply or are to be performed in whole or in part after the
Effective Time, Section 4.04 and this Article VII.
Section 7.02 Notices. All notices and other communications hereunder
shall be in writing, shall be effective when received, and shall in any event be
deemed received and effectively given (i) upon delivery, if delivered personally
or by commercial messenger or courier service, (ii) three days after deposit in
the U.S. mail, if delivered by registered or certified mail (postage prepaid,
return receipt requested), (iii) one business day after the day of facsimile
transmission, if sent by facsimile with confirming copy by U.S. mail (first
class, postage prepaid), or (iv) one business day after the business day of
deposit with Federal Express or similar carrier for overnight delivery, freight
prepaid, in each case to the parties at the following addresses (or at such
other address for a party as shall be specified by like notice):
(a) if to UTG, to:
United Trust Group, Inc.
▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇
Attention: Chief Executive Officer
Telephone No.: 217/▇▇▇-▇▇▇▇
Facsimile No.: 217/241-6578
(b) if to FCC, to:
First Commonwealth Corporation
▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇
Attention: Chief Executive Officer
Telephone No.: 217/▇▇▇-▇▇▇▇
Facsimile No.: 217/241-6578
Section 7.03 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in one or more
counterparts, all of which shall be deemed originals, shall be considered one
and the same agreement and shall become effective when one or more counterparts
have been signed by each of the Parties and delivered to the other Party, it
being understood that both Parties need not sign the same counterpart.
Section 7.04 Entire Agreement; Assignment. This Agreement, the exhibits
hereto, and the documents and instruments and other agreements among the Parties
referenced herein: (i) constitute the entire agreement among the Parties with
respect to the subject matter hereof and supersede all prior agreements and
understandings both written and oral, among the Parties with respect to the
subject matter hereof, (ii) are not intended to confer upon any other person any
rights or remedies hereunder, and (iii) shall not be assigned by operation of
law or otherwise, except that UTG may assign its rights and delegate its
obligations hereunder to any entity or entities that are wholly-owned by UTG,
directly or indirectly.
Section 7.05 Severability. In the event that any provision of this
Agreement or the application thereof, becomes or is declared by a court of
competent jurisdiction to be illegal, void or unenforceable, the remainder of
this Agreement will continue in full force and effect and the application of
such provision to other persons or circumstances will be interpreted so as to
reasonably effect the intent of the Parties. The Parties further agree to
replace such void or unenforceable provision of this Agreement with a valid and
enforceable provision that will achieve, to the extent possible, the economic,
business and other purposes of such void or unenforceable provision.
Section 7.06 Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and
construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Illinois, as applied to
contracts entered into and wholly to be performed within such state by residents
thereof. Each of the Parties irrevocably consents to the exclusive jurisdiction
and venue of the federal district courts located within the State of Illinois,
in connection with any matter based upon or arising out of this Agreement or the
matters contemplated herein unless otherwise provided herein, agrees that
process may be served upon them in any manner authorized by the laws of the
State of Illinois for such persons and waives and covenants not to assert or
plead any objection which they might otherwise have to such jurisdiction, venue
and such process.
[SIGNATURE PAGE FOLLOWS]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, UTG and FCC have caused this Agreement to be signed,
all as of the date first written above.
UNITED TRUST GROUP, INC.
By: /s/ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇
Title: President
FIRST COMMONWEALTH CORPORATION
By: /s/ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇
Title: Secretary
[Signature Page to the Agreement and Plan of Reorganization
between United Trust Group, Inc. and First Commonwealth Corporation]
Exhibit A
Plan of Merger
PLAN OF MERGER
OF
FIRST COMMONWEALTH CORPORATION
WITH AND INTO
UNITED TRUST GROUP, INC.
Pursuant to this Plan of Merger ("Plan of Merger"), First Commonwealth
Corporation, a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the State of
Virginia ("FCC"), shall be merged with and into United Trust Group, Inc.,
a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the State of Illinois
("UTG").
Article I.
DEFINITIONS
Except as otherwise provided herein, the capitalized terms set forth below
shall have the meanings set forth in the Agreement and Plan of Reorganization
dated as of June 5, 2001 by and between FCC and UTG (the "Reorganization
Agreement").
Article II.
TRANSACTIONS AND TERMS OF MERGER
Section 2.01 The Merger. At the Effective Time and subject to and upon
the terms and conditions of the Reorganization Agreement, this Plan of Merger
and the applicable provisions of the Illinois Business Corporation Act (the
"IBCA") and the Virginia Stock Corporations Act (the "VSCA"), FCC
shall be merged with and into UTG, the separate corporate existence of FCC shall
cease and UTG shall continue as the Surviving Corporation.
Section 2.02 Effective Time. Unless the Reorganization Agreement is
earlier terminated pursuant to Section 6.01 thereof, the Closing will take place
no later than five (5) business days following satisfaction or waiver of the
conditions set forth in Article V of the Reorganization Agreement, at the
offices of ▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ & ▇▇▇▇▇, LLP, ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇,
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, unless another time and/or place is mutually agreed upon in writing by
FCC and UTG. On the Closing Date, the Parties shall cause the Merger to be
consummated by filing this Plan of Merger, together with related articles of
merger, with the Virginia State Corporation Commission and the Illinois
Secretary of State, in accordance with the applicable provisions of the VSCA and
the IBCA (the time at which the Merger has become effective under both the VSCA
and the IBCA after the filing of this the Plan of Merger and articles of merger
with the Virginia State Corporation Commission and the Illinois Secretary of
State shall be referred to herein as the "Effective Time").
Section 2.03 Effect of the Merger. At the Effective Time, the effect of
the Merger shall be as provided in the applicable provisions of the IBCA, the
VSCA, this Plan of Merger and the Reorganization Agreement. Without limiting the
generality of the foregoing, and subject thereto, at the Effective Time, all the
property, rights, privileges, powers and franchises of FCC shall vest in the
Surviving Corporation, and all debts, liabilities and duties of FCC shall become
the debts, liabilities and duties of the Surviving Corporation. At the Effective
Time, the separate corporate existence of FCC shall cease.
Section 2.04 Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws.
(a) The articles of incorporation of UTG, as in effect immediately prior
to the Effective Time, shall be the articles of incorporation of the
Surviving Corporation at the Effective Time until thereafter amended
in accordance with applicable law and as provided in such articles of
incorporation.
(b) The bylaws of UTG, as in effect immediately prior to the Effective
Time, shall be the bylaws of the Surviving Corporation at the
Effective Time until thereafter amended in accordance with applicable
law and as provided in the articles of incorporation of the Surviving
Corporation and such bylaws.
Section 2.05 Directors and Officers. The directors of UTG immediately
prior to the Effective Time shall be the directors of the Surviving Corporation
immediately after the Effective Time, each to hold the office of a director of
the Surviving Corporation in accordance with the provisions of applicable law,
and the articles of incorporation and bylaws of the Surviving Corporation, as
applicable, until their successors are duly elected and qualified. The officers
of UTG immediately prior to the Effective Time shall be the officers of the
Surviving Corporation immediately after the Effective Time, each to hold office
in accordance with the provisions of the bylaws of the Surviving Corporation,
until their successors are duly appointed.
Article III.
MANNER OF CONVERTING SHARES
Section 3.01 Effect on FCC Capital Stock.
(a) At the Effective Time, by virtue of the Merger and without any action
on the part of UTG, FCC or the Shareholders, each share of FCC Common
Stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time
shall cease to be outstanding and, other than any shares of FCC Common
Stock to be canceled pursuant to Section 3.01(b) or Section 3.01(c)
hereof, shall be converted into and become the right to receive an
amount equal to $250, payable by check or cash (the "Merger
Consideration").
(b) At the Effective Time, by virtue of the Merger and without any action
on the part of UTG, FCC or any of the Shareholders, each share of FCC
Common Stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective
Time and held in the treasury of FCC or by any subsidiary thereof
shall be cancelled and retired and cease to exist and no payment shall
be made with respect thereto.
(c) At the Effective Time, by virtue of the Merger and without any action
on the part of UTG, FCC or any of the Shareholders, each share of FCC
Common Stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective
Time and held by UTG shall be cancelled and retired and cease to exist
and no payment shall be made with respect thereto.
Section 3.02 Capital Stock of UTG. At the Effective Time, by virtue of
the Merger and without any action on the part of UTG or FCC, each share of UTG
common stock, no par value per share, issued and outstanding immediately prior
to the Effective Time, shall remain outstanding as one validly issued, fully
paid and nonassessable share of Common Stock of the Surviving Corporation and
shall not be converted into any other securities or cash in the Merger. The
certificates for such shares shall not be surrendered or in any way modified by
reason of the Merger.
Section 3.03 Withholding Taxes. Any cash amounts payable to any
Shareholder pursuant to this Article III shall be subject to, and an amount may
be withheld therefrom equal to, the amount of any requisite state, local,
federal and foreign withholding taxes.
Article IV.
EXCHANGE OF SHARES
Section 4.01 Exchange Procedures. Promptly after the Effective Time, the
Surviving Corporation shall mail (or shall cause an exchange agent appointed by
the Surviving Corporation to mail) to each record holder, as of the Effective
Time, of any outstanding certificate or certificates which immediately prior to
the Effective Time represented shares of FCC Common Stock (the "FCC
Certificates") a (i) notice of the effectiveness of the Merger and (ii) form
letter of transmittal (which shall specify that delivery shall be effected, and
risk of loss and title to the FCC Certificates shall pass, only upon delivery of
the FCC Certificates to the Surviving Corporation) and instructions for use in
effecting the surrender of the FCC Certificates for payment therefore. Upon
surrender to the Surviving Corporation of an FCC Certificate, together with the
appropriate and duly executed transmittal materials described in the foregoing
sentence and any other required documents, the holder of such FCC Certificate
shall receive in exchange therefore the applicable Merger Consideration
determined pursuant to Section 3.01 hereof, and such certificate shall forthwith
be cancelled. No interest will be paid or accrued on any consideration payable
upon the surrender of the FCC Certificates. If cash is to be remitted to a name
other than that in which the FCC Certificate surrendered for exchange is
registered, it shall be a condition of such exchange that the FCC Certificate so
surrendered shall be properly endorsed, with signature guaranteed, or otherwise
in proper form for transfer and that the person requesting such exchange shall
pay to UTG or its transfer agent any transfer or other taxes required by reason
of payment of the applicable Merger Consideration to a person other than the
registered holder of the FCC Certificate surrendered, or establish to the
satisfaction of UTG or its transfer agent that such tax has been paid or is not
applicable. Until surrendered in accordance with the provisions of this Article
IV, each FCC Certificate (other than FCC Certificates representing shares to be
cancelled pursuant to Sections 3.01(b) or 3.01(c) hereof) shall represent for
all purposes only the right to receive the applicable Merger Consideration set
forth in Section 3.01 hereof, without any interest thereon, subject to any
required withholding taxes.
Section 4.02 Rights of Former FCC Shareholders.
(a) From and after the Effective Time, the holders of FCC Certificates
evidencing shares of FCC Common Stock issued and outstanding
immediately prior to the Effective Time shall cease to have any rights
with respect to such shares, except as otherwise provided herein, in
the Reorganization Agreement or by applicable law.
(b) Any holders of shares of FCC Common Stock prior to the Merger who have
not complied with this Plan of Merger and surrendered their FCC
Certificates to the Surviving Corporation in accordance with this
Article IV within six (6) months after the Effective Time shall
thereafter look only to the Surviving Corporation as general creditors
thereof for payment of their claim for the applicable Merger
Consideration to which such holders may be entitled hereunder by
virtue of the Merger.
(c) Neither FCC nor the Surviving Corporation (nor any exchange agent
appointed by the Surviving Corporation) shall be liable to any
Shareholder in respect of any Merger Consideration to which such
Shareholder was otherwise entitled pursuant to this Plan of Merger
that was delivered to a public official pursuant to any applicable
abandoned property, escheat or similar law. If any FCC Certificates
shall not have been surrendered prior to one (1) year after the
Effective Time (or immediately prior to such earlier date on which the
Merger Consideration, if any, in respect of such certificate would
otherwise escheat to or become the property of any governmental
entity), any such Merger Consideration shall, to the extent permitted
by applicable law, become the property of the Surviving Corporation,
free and clear of all claims or interest of any person previously
entitled thereto.
(d) From and after the Effective Time, there shall be no transfers of the
shares of FCC Common Stock on the stock transfer books of the
Surviving Corporation which were outstanding immediately prior to the
Effective Time.
(e) In the event any FCC Certificate shall have been lost, stolen or
destroyed, the Surviving Corporation shall issue in exchange for such
lost, stolen or destroyed certificate, upon the making of an affidavit
of that fact by the holder thereof, such amount of the applicable
Merger Consideration, if any, as may be required pursuant to Section
3.01 hereof; provided, however, that the Surviving Corporation may, in
its discretion and as a condition precedent to the issuance thereof,
require the Shareholder who is the owner of such lost, stolen or
destroyed certificate to deliver a bond in such amount as it may
reasonably direct against any claim that may be made against the
Surviving Corporation with respect to the certificate alleged to have
been lost, stolen or destroyed.
Article V.
MISCELLANEOUS
Section 5.01 Conditions Precedent. Consummation of the Merger shall be
conditioned on the satisfaction of, or waiver by the applicable Party of, the
conditions precedent to the Merger set forth in Article V of the Reorganization
Agreement.
Section 5.02 Termination. This Plan of Merger may be terminated at any
time prior to the Effective Time as provided in Section 6.01 of the
Reorganization Agreement.
Section 5.03 Counterparts. This Plan of Merger may be executed in
counterparts, each of which shall be an original; but all of such counterparts
together shall constitute one and the same instrument.
Section 5.04 Reorganization Agreement. This Plan of Merger is being
entered into and delivered pursuant to the terms and conditions of the
Reorganization Agreement and shall be governed by the terms and conditions
thereof. In the event of any conflict between the terms and conditions of this
Plan of Merger and the terms and conditions of the Reorganization Agreement, the
terms and conditions of the Reorganization Agreement shall control.
[SIGNATURE PAGE FOLLOWS]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused their duly authorized officers
to execute this Plan of Merger as of the 5th day of June, 2001.
UNITED TRUST GROUP, INC.
By: /s/ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇
Title: President
FIRST COMMONWEALTH CORPORATION
By: /s/ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇
Title: Secretary
[Signature Page to the Plan of Merger by and between
United Trust Group, Inc. and First Commonwealth Corporation]
